Is What If...? Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, What If...? is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
What If...? Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2008, What If...? emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Victor and Margot are two lawyers on the fast track to success at a major law firm. Unlike standard genre fare, What If...? attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Léa Fazer, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and What If...? features a noteworthy lineup led by Thierry Lhermitte. Supported by the likes of Alice Taglioni and Jocelyn Quivrin, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Thierry Lhermitte, Alice Taglioni, Jocelyn Quivrin manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2008 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama, Romance, Comedy space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, What If...? is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of What If...? follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 87 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, What If...? resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 4.7/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, What If...? is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Victor and Margot are two lawyers on the fast track to success at a major law firm. They are also a loving couple. After a senior partner at the firm dies unexpectedly, it is decided that either Margot or Victor will be promoted to the important position. The other will have to settle for a supporting role. Both scenarios are explored.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of What If...? (2008) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 4.7/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama, Romance, Comedy categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Thierry Lhermitte, Alice Taglioni, Jocelyn Quivrin or the visual majesty of its technical execution, What If...? is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2008. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch What If...? Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Bbox VOD
VIVA by videofutur
Premiere Max🏷️ Buy on
UniverscineVIVA by videofuturPremiere MaxParents Guide & Age Rating
What If...? has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Drama, Romance, Comedy), viewers should expect romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.7/10, and global collection metrics, What If...? stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What If...? movie hit or flop?
What If...? is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.7/10 and lower collections.
Is What If...? worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.7/10, What If...? may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch What If...? online?
What If...? may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
Victor and Margot are two lawyers on the fast track to success at a major law firm. They are also a loving couple. After a senior partner at the firm dies unexpectedly, it is decided that either Margot or Victor will be promoted to the important position. The other will have to settle for a supporting role. Both scenarios are explored.